Last week, the NCAA unveiled a special list of female college athletes who are excelling on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. 154 of the nation’s brightest, most athletic and selfless young women are in contention to take home NCAA 2021 Woman of The Year honors.
The NCAA considers student athletes from all three levels of competition. 58 student athletes from Division I were named, along with 36 from Division II and 60 from Division III. All 154 candidates are in the final year of their eligibility with the NCAA, meaning that their body of work over a career in college will be considered.
Congratulations to the 153 conference nominees for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗔 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 award!#NCAAWOTY | https://t.co/lFT4jcfHDq pic.twitter.com/j8HKW0PVM5
— NCAA (@NCAA) August 16, 2021
Eventually, the field will be whittled down to 30, than to 9. After that point, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics selects a winner. Regardless of which student athlete gets selected for the 2021 award, recognizing the achievements of all those nominated is important.
For example, the University of Maine at Farmington’s Fern Calkins took home the NAC Woman of the Year award earlier this summer. She’s excelling at the school in her biology studies, and has made notable contributions to the Shine on Cass Foundation. Calkins knocked in three goals for the soccer team last season.
Annika Canaba won the ASC Woman Of The Year in July award playing volleyball and softball for Sul Ross State. She’s a kinesiology major with a 3.82 GPA.
“Representing SRSU has provided me a platform to exhibit my leadership skills, strong work habits and my dedication to inclusivity that sets the example for my fellow athletes,” Canaba said. Via Srlobos.com.
Colby Sawyer field hockey player Julia Lanctot took home the GNAC Woman of the Year honors. She has a sparkling 3.95 GPA majoring in business administration, and was president of The Clothesline Project, to raise awareness for survivors of sexual assault.*
“I play for the little things, for the unnoticed moments that happen every day. I play for the conversations on the walk to the field, for the laughs in our huddles, the karaoke on the bus, and for the drive it gives me academically,” Lanctot stated about the effect field hockey has had on her life. Via TheGNAC.com
Last year's NCAA Woman of The Year award went to Asia Seidt, who was a swimmer at the University of Kentucky.
Miss Wildcat 👑😻@africa_seidt6
— Kentucky Swim & Dive (@UKSwimDive) May 1, 2020
She joins an elite class of ladies to receive this award in consecutive years.#CATSPYs pic.twitter.com/x7kO2WZHZP
